NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Paolina

What is the origin of the name Paolina?

Paolina is a feminine given name derived from the Latin masculine name Paulus (or Paul), which has its roots in the Roman family name Paulys or Paulus. The name Paul was traditionally interpreted as a Roman cognomen derived from pater familias Gaius Paulus, who took his name from the noun pauilis, meaning "small" or "humble." Over time, the feminine form Paolina developed in various cultures and languages.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the first name Paolina

Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my first name's origin now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the name Paolina

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Paolina

Paolina is a feminine given name derived from the male name Paul, which is of Latin origin. The name Paul is thought to be a shortened form of Paulus, which means "small" or "humble." In Christian tradition, Saint Paul, also known as Apostle Paul, was an influential figure who played a significant role in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire during the 1st century AD.

The name Paolina emerged as a variant form of Paula, which is of Greek origin and means "small" or "humble." The name gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages due to the influence of Saint Paula, an early Christian saint known for her piety and charity. Over time, the name has been adopted in various cultures, including Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. Today, Paolina is a cherished name for girls in many countries worldwide, reflecting the enduring legacy and significance of the name Paul in history and faith.

Character traits associated with the name Paolina

Paolina is often characterized by her strong-willed and determined nature. She demonstrates a profound sense of resilience, bouncing back from adversities with an unwavering spirit. Her intelligence shines through her curious mind, always seeking new knowledge and understanding in various fields. Compassionate and empathetic, Paolina shows deep concern for the well-being of those around her, making her a reliable confidante and friend. She is also known for her creativity, expressing herself artfully in various mediums such as music, literature, or visual arts. Paolina's confidence and boldness allow her to take calculated risks, which often lead to innovative ideas and solutions. Her adaptability makes her capable of thriving in a multitude of environments and circumstances. Overall, Paolina embodies the qualities of strength, intelligence, compassion, creativity, confidence, and adaptability, making her an exceptional individual to know and work with.

Popularity of the name Paolina

The given first name "Paolina" is relatively uncommon compared to some other female names worldwide. Its popularity varies significantly across different regions. In Italy, where it originated as a diminutive form of Paula or Maria Paola, it is more frequently used. However, its prevalence in other countries such as the United States and many parts of Europe is relatively low. In recent years, there has been a slight trend towards reviving old-fashioned names, which may potentially increase the popularity of "Paolina." Nevertheless, compared to some modern, trendy names, it remains an uncommon choice for newborn girls in most regions.

Famous people with the name Paolina

Paolina (Pauline) is a significant female name with several notable individuals bearing it across various fields and eras. One of the most renowned is Pauline Bonaparte (1780-1825), the younger sister of Napoleon Bonaparte, who served as Queen consort of Holland and was admired for her intelligence, wit, and beauty. Another distinguished figure is Paolina Markham (1934-1986), an influential British art dealer, curator, and journalist known for her significant contributions to the world of contemporary art during the post-war period. In modern times, Paulina Porizkova (born 1965) is a well-known Czechoslovakian-American model, actress, and author who has graced numerous magazine covers and was one of the original Victoria's Secret Angels. Furthermore, Paola Suarez (born 1974), a renowned Mexican painter, is celebrated for her vivid, symbolic works that explore themes of identity, memory, and migration.

Variations of the name Paolina

Paolina is primarily a feminine given name originating from Italy and Spain, where it's a variant of Paulina, itself derived from the Latin masculine name Paulus, which means "small" or "humble." Over time, regional variations have emerged, including:

1. Paulina (English and Spanish): This is the most direct translation of Paolina, while also being used as an independent given name in some cultures.
2. Pola (Spanish, Catalan, and Croatian): A diminutive form of Paulina that can stand alone as a given name or serve as a nickname for Paulina.
3. Paulette (French): This variant is less common but shares a similar meaning with Paolina and Paulina. It's also used independently as a given name.
4. Lina (Multiple origins, including Italian, Spanish, and German): This shortened form of various names such as Paulina, Eleanora, Adelina, etc., is commonly used in many cultures and can represent several different names depending on the context.
5. Paola (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Catalan): Another variant of Paulina that's more commonly used in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and parts of Catalonia.
6. Pilar (Spanish): While this name shares similar origins with Paolina, it is derived from the Greek word "pilas," meaning "pillar." However, over time, it has become an alternate spelling for Paula or Paulina in some Spanish-speaking communities.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Pao-philippe (First name)

forenames > pao-philippe

The name Pao Philippe appears to be a combination of the Hispanic name Pao and the French name Philippe. Pao is a variant of the name Pablo, which is of Spanish origin meaning "sma...

Paoletto (First name)

forenames > paoletto

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Paonie (First name)

forenames > paonie

The name Paonie does not have a widely recognized origin in English. It is possible that it is a variant or derivative of another name from a different language or culture.

Paour (First name)

forenames > paour

The name "Paour" has its origin in France. It is a variant of the French word "pauvre," which means "poor" in English. This name likely originated as a nickname given to someone wh...

Paov (First name)

forenames > paov

The name "Paov" does not appear to have a widely known origin or meaning in English. It may be a rare or unique name without a specific etymology.

Paovale (First name)

forenames > paovale

The name "Paovale" does not have a widely known English origin or meaning. It appears to be a unique or uncommon name that may have been created or adapted from existing names.

Pãozinho (First name)

forenames > paozinho

The first name "Paozinho" is of Portuguese origin. It is a diminutive form of the word "pão," which means bread in Portuguese. This name is commonly used as a term of endearment.